Jengeih S. T.

Liberia-USA

26, Lawyer
Washington, DC

My family and I moved to the United States in March of 1996 – almost 21 years ago. My mother came much earlier in 1993 to establish a new home for us because our country, Liberia, was torn apart by a civil war and became quite dangerous. My mother first moved to Northern VA and stayed with family before moving to Minneapolis, MN where she settled and started a new life in a completely new environment without her family. My mother worked hard and with the help of a pro-bono attorney, filed the proper paperwork to reunite our family and get my father, siblings, and me into the United States three years later.

Why did your family come to the United States?My family and I moved to the the United States to find refuge, safety, and an opportunity for a future.

What would the U.S. be missing out on if you or your people were banned?A loving & caring family who brings diversity and culture to its community: a mother who cooks ethnic dishes for her co-workers and goes the extra mile to offer encouragement and a helping hand; a father that lights up a room with a smile; and compassionate children who have grown into responsible & contributing citizens.